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Cressler, Alan

Mertensia ciliata

Mertensia ciliata (James ex Torr.) G. Don

Tall Fringed Bluebells, Tall Fringe Bluebells, Mountain Bluebells

Boraginaceae (Borage Family)

Synonym(s):

USDA Symbol: MECI3

USDA Native Status: L48 (N)

Several 1-3 ft. stems emerge in a clump from the woody root of Tall Fringe Bluebells or Mountain Bluebells. Smooth, succulent leaves are crowded along these stems. A plant with clumps of leafy stems and loose clusters of narrowly bell-shaped, blue flowers turning pink with age. Pendent clusters of clear blue, tubular flowers exude a mild fragrance. Root crowns and rhizomes spread over time, forming extensive patches.

Mertensias are also called Lungworts, after a European species with spotted leaves which was believed to be a remedy for lung disease. Similar species differ in the proportions of the corolla.

From the Image Gallery

41 photo(s) available in the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Herb
Fruit Type: Schizocarp
Size Notes: Up to about 3 feet tall.
Leaf: Green
Fruit: Nutlets.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: Blue
Bloom Time: Jun , Jul , Aug

Distribution

USA: AZ , CA , CO , ID , MT , NM , NV , OR , SD , UT , WY
Native Distribution: CO & extreme n. NM to CA Sierras, n. to w. MT & s.e. WA
Native Habitat: Stream banks; wet meadows; damp thickets

Growing Conditions

Water Use: High
Light Requirement: Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Wet
Soil pH: Acidic (pH<6.8)
CaCO3 Tolerance: Low
Soil Description: Moist to wet loams & sandy loams.
Conditions Comments: Good air circulation is necessary to prevent mildew diseases.

Benefit

Conspicuous Flowers: yes

Propagation

Description: Divide rhizomes in the spring. It is also possible to propagate this plant from seed.
Seed Treatment: Seed scarification enhances germination. Rub between sheets of medium-grit sandpaper.
Commercially Avail: yes

Find Seed or Plants

Find seed sources for this species at the Native Seed Network.

National Wetland Indicator Status

Region:	AGCP	AK	AW	CB	EMP	GP	HI	MW	NCNE	WMVE
Status:			FACW			FACW				FACW

This information is derived from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers National Wetland Plant List, Version 3.1 (Lichvar, R.W. 2013. The National Wetland Plant List: 2013 wetland ratings. Phytoneuron 2013-49: 1-241). Click here for map of regions.

From the National Organizations Directory

According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:

Native Seed Network - Corvallis, OR

Web Reference

Webref 30 - Calflora (2018) Calflora
Webref 74 - Southwest Colorado Wildflowers (2020) Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory
Webref 23 - Southwest Environmental Information Network (2009) SEINet - Arizona Chapter

Additional resources

USDA: Find Mertensia ciliata in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Mertensia ciliata in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Mertensia ciliata

Metadata

Record Modified: 2023-02-20
Research By: TWC Staff

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